News

Cowdray Estate was approached by Celtique Energie about an alternative
location, 18 months ago but we had concerns about the environmental
impact on the area and decided not to proceed with the proposals.

Cowdray Estate has a number of concerns about Celtique Energie’s
proposals for an exploration well at Nine Acre Copse, Fernhurst. These
include traffic, noise, light pollution and the impact on an area within
the National park.

Whilst it is recognised that the proposals
on the table are for an exploratory well, it could be the thin end of a
wedge which would have long term implications on the village of
Fernhurst and the nearby residential and business properties.

There is not enough information about whether or not Celtique Energie is
expecting to find oil or gas. If they find shale gas they may apply for
consent to carry out extraction by Fracking or hydraulic fracturing
techniques which may have long term environmental implications, such as
pollution to the natural water resources, the potential for wellhead
pollution or indeed earth tremors. Fracking requires vast amounts of
water and we must question where this will be coming from.

We
therefore have concerns about whether there have been sufficient
investigations into the Environmental assessments which have been
carried out, for instance; we question the results of the noise level
survey which has been published in Celtique Energie’s consultation
document.

We also question whether the relevant parts of the
National Planning Policy Framework, (paragraphs 115 and 116) which
relate to planning considerations for development proposals within a
National park, have been fully considered

We also call upon
Celtique Energie at this stage of the proceedings to make a public
commitment supported by evidence that they will fulfil their liabilities
in the event of contamination, given the potential impact their
activities may have on the local community.